📖 Meaning
A phrase describing a country with expansive territory and a large population. It conveys the idea of a powerful, resource-rich nation. The expression originates from Mencius, who noted that such worldly possessions are not where a gentleman's true joy resides.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase comes from the work Mencius (《孟子·尽心上》, 'Jin Xin Part I'), written during the Warring States period. Mencius stated that a gentleman may desire vast territory and numerous people, yet his true happiness does not lie in these things. The saying has since been used to describe large, populous states and to caution that material greatness alone does not constitute moral fulfillment.
💡 Example Usage
广土众民的大国，理应有充足的资源应对各种挑战。
A vast nation with a large population should have ample resources to meet any challenge.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 广土众民
- Pinyin: guǎng tǔ zhòng mín
- Literal Translation: vast land, numerous people
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4